The Kids Online Safety Act (KOSA) has once again been introduced to Congress, setting the stage for potentially the most consequential internet legislation in the United States since the passage of the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) in 1998.
Under the current proposal, social media companies could be held legally responsible if it is demonstrated that they failed to adequately safeguard minors from recognized harms. The legislation explicitly outlines such dangers, including eating disorders, substance abuse, sexual exploitation, and suicide risks.
Originally introduced in 2022, KOSA previously garnered substantial bipartisan approval in the Senate last year. However, it subsequently stalled in the House amid significant debate and numerous objections.
Since its initial introduction, KOSA has faced vocal criticism from human rights advocacy groups like the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), who assert that the bill’s provisions might result in increased censorship and unwarranted surveillance. Recent amendments sought to address some of these concerns, yet other influential organizations—the Electronic Frontier Foundation and Fight for the Future among them—remain staunchly against it.
Fight for the Future has expressly challenged the authors’ claims that the bill would not restrict free speech. The organization insists the “Duty of Care” requirements within KOSA involve directly limiting expression deemed harmful by government standards. In their latest statement, they argued strongly against empowering the government to decide what content constitutes harm to children, cautioning that such authority could disproportionately silence marginalized communities and political opposition.
Despite the ongoing controversy, several major tech companies have voiced support for KOSA, including Microsoft, Snap, and X (formerly Twitter). Linda Yaccarino, CEO of X, notably contributed to drafting the latest version of the bill in collaboration with Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) and Richard Blumenthal (D-CT). Conversely, tech giants Google and Meta have publicly opposed the bill, citing concerns about its possible unintended consequences.
Most recently, Apple joined the ranks of KOSA supporters. The company’s Senior Director of Government Affairs, Timothy Powderly, expressed explicit backing for the act, affirming Apple’s commitment to online safety for minors and asserting confidence that KOSA would positively contribute towards protecting young users online.
